A chicken waterer is a game-changer for any poultry owner. This innovative watering system ensures that your flock always has access to clean, fresh water, regardless of their age or species – be it baby chicks, chickens, ducks, quail, or turkeys. By providing a constant supply of hydration, you’ll not only keep your feathered friends happy and healthy but also simplify your daily chores.
The 9 Best Chicken Waterers
When it comes to keeping your chickens happy and healthy, providing them with a reliable source of food and water is crucial. One such product that has gained popularity among chicken enthusiasts is the Royal Rooster Chicken Feeder and Waterer Set. However, there are other options available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. For instance, K&H Pet Products’ Thermo-Poultry Waterer is designed to keep water cool and fresh for your chickens even in hot weather conditions.
Another option is Little Giant’s Water Container Jar, which offers a large capacity for storing water and can be easily cleaned and maintained. If you’re looking for something more heavy-duty, LITTLE GIANT Galvanized Double Wall Founts provide a sturdy and durable solution. RentACoop has also entered the market with their Automatic Chicken Water Nipple Cup Waterer Kit, which allows chickens to drink without having to physically access the water source.
Additionally, RentACoop’s Make Your Own Waterer Kit is a great option for those who want to DIY their chicken’s water supply. For a more budget-friendly option, Olba B. V.’s Plastic Drinking Bottle can be used as a makeshift waterer, while Harris Farms’ Poultry Drinker provides a simple and effective way to provide your chickens with fresh water.
Our Top Pick for the Best Chicken Waterer
Our top choice for a superior chicken waterer is the RentACoop Make Your Own Waterer Kit, an innovative DIY solution that offers unparalleled flexibility. With this kit, you can create and install a comprehensive watering system tailored to your specific chicken coop or barn setup, using any large container or PVC pipe that suits your feathered friends’ needs.
The included automatic chicken water nipples are not only simple to install and use but also provide a convenient and effective way to keep your chickens hydrated.
Types of Chicken Waterers
When it comes to providing optimal hydration for your flock, two types of chicken waterer containers stand out from the rest: gravity-style waterers and automatic waterers. These designs offer unparalleled convenience and efficiency, making them a must-have addition to any backyard chicken keeping setup.
Gravity-style Chicken Waterer
Gravity-style chicken waterers typically feature a plastic or metal tank that can be filled from the top or bottom, with water flowing directly into an enclosed tray or dish below. Some models, such as the K&H Pet Products Thermo-Poultry Waterer, may also incorporate an integrated handle for easy transport of a full water tank. While the tank itself remains clean, the open-dish design can make cleaning the tray a necessary task to prevent bacterial growth and maintain overall hygiene.
Automatic Chicken Waterers
An automatic chicken waterer offers unparalleled hygiene and freshness to your flock’s drinking water. This type of waterer typically features drip-catch nipples, such as the RentACoop Automatic Chicken Water Nipple Cup Waterer Kit. By utilizing a pre-assembled plastic container or attaching the nipples/cups to a tank or PVC pipe, you can efficiently optimize space within your chicken coop or duck house.
Most manufacturers provide comprehensive installation hardware, making the setup process seamless and simplified through accompanying instructional videos.
Construction
Both plastic and metal chicken waterer options have their unique characteristics. Plastic models are constructed from strong, thick BPA-free material that makes them easy to carry around. However, prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions can cause the plastic to crack over time. On the other hand, galvanized metal waterers boast exceptional strength, sturdiness, and durability, coupled with impressive resistance to rust and sun damage.
Although they may heat up quickly in direct sunlight and be heavy when full of water, metal containers offer a robust alternative. Furthermore, while metal waterers tend to be pricier than their plastic counterparts, their longevity can make them a worthwhile investment.
Heating Metal Chicken Waterer
Winterizing Your Chicken’s Water: A Key Consideration for Fowl Care. Maintaining optimal temperatures in your chicken’s water can be a hurdle during the cold months. While there are various solutions available, thermostatically heated waterers like the K&H Pet Products Thermo-Poultry Waterer offer a convenient and reliable way to ensure your flock’s hydration needs are met.
Size of Your Flock
When it comes to providing for your flock’s hydration needs, it’s crucial that all chickens have unrestricted access to clean water throughout the day. If you’re considering a gravity-style waterer, take into account the capacity of the dish and the number of birds that can drink simultaneously. Alternatively, automatic waterers can accommodate up to 4 full-grown hens, with nipples or cups designed for efficient watering.
Size of the Water Tank
The water tank’s capacity will come in four distinct sizes: 1, 2.5, 5, and 8 gallons. A single tank with a volume of 1 or 2.5 gallons is well-suited for a small flock of just 4 chickens. For larger groups of 4 or more hens, the 5 or 8-gallon containers will provide ample space to meet their watering needs.
5 Handy Tips for Using a Chicken Waterer
Chickens are notorious for their pickiness. If you’re struggling to get your chickens to drink from an automatic waterer, this video offers helpful guidance on training them to use it effectively. Additionally, introducing a small amount of dripping water can stimulate their thirst and encourage drinking.
On the other hand, if you’re using water nipples or cups with O-rings that absorb water and expand, causing leaks, simply remove the nipple, let the O-ring dry, then reinsert it for proper functioning. Moreover, overfilling a tank can lead to top-leakage issues. To mitigate this, strategically place the tank to prevent tipping and ensure free-flowing water into trays, nipples, or cups.
Furthermore, selecting the wrong sealant for nipples or cups can cause leaks; therefore, always opt for waterproof sealants.
9 Best Chicken Waterers – Reviews
Royal Rooster Chicken Feeder and Waterer Set
The Royal Rooster Chicken Feeder and Waterer Set offers an efficient solution for providing your flock with an uninterrupted supply of feed and fresh, clean water. This compact, 20-inch tall, 5-inch wide, and 5-inch deep (9-inches including the rain cover) feeder/waterer is crafted from durable UV-resistant ABS plastic and PVC. With a capacity to hold up to 6.5lbs of feed and 1-gallon of water, it’s an ideal choice for flocks of 4-6 chickens.
The slimline design makes it perfect for coops with limited space, allowing you to easily attach the waterer to mesh or solid walls using the included four aluminum brackets. The innovative design features separate divisions in the feeder tube, discouraging chickens from ‘swiping’ feed onto the ground and reducing waste. Additionally, the rain cover on the feeder tray deters sparrows and rodents from accessing the food.
This chicken feeder/waterer also boasts a European-made valve-operated drinker cup that automatically activates when a chicken taps the valve, providing unlimited access to fresh water. Although suitable for most chicken grain feed mixes and pellets, it’s not recommended for loose feeds like wheat or molasses-based crumbles. Royal Rooster supplies all necessary hardware, requiring only a Phillips Head screwdriver for assembly.
The set’s many benefits include high-quality materials, great value for money, effective automatic valve-operated drinker cups, and large capacity for food and water. While it may not be suitable for harsh winter conditions or very large chickens, this feeder/waterer is an excellent choice for most chicken keepers.
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Poultry Waterer
The K&H Pet Products Thermo-Poultry Waterer is a reliable and efficient solution for keeping your chickens happy and healthy. Its sturdy 100% BPA-free plastic construction ensures durability, while the absence of metal parts eliminates rusting or breaking concerns. Cleaning and maintenance are hassle-free, thanks to the easy-remove filter tray that allows quick removal of debris and refilling of water.
The spill-proof cap at the bottom prevents precious water wastage during assembly and disassembly. The waterer’s unique design features a no-roost top that discourages chickens from roosting on the container and contaminating the water, while the easy-flow design prevents muddy messes on the ground. Ideal for both warm and cold weather conditions, this poultry waterer is available in heated (MET listed) and unheated models.
Key highlights include a 2-year limited manufacturer’s warranty, as well as benefits such as strong and durable construction, economical energy consumption (60-watts), and an integrated handle for easy transport. Some minor drawbacks to consider are the tray’s potential cracking in extreme winter conditions, not ideal for areas with extreme temperatures, and relatively small tank capacity.
Little Giant Water Container Jar
When it comes to keeping your small flock of 3-4 chickens hydrated, the Little Giant Water Container Jar is an excellent choice. This gravity-style waterer boasts a robust, transparent molded polyethylene tank that resists overheating and allows for effortless monitoring of the water level. The waterer’s extra-wide, bright red plastic base ensures your feathered friends have easy access to fresh, clean H2O. At just 9 x 10.
25 inches in size, it’s compact enough to place strategically around the coop, keeping your birds well-hydrated and healthy. Refilling is a breeze thanks to the screw-top lid, and you can rest assured there are no leaks to worry about. Plus, the tank and base can be purchased separately, giving you the flexibility to buy what you need. Little Giant also offers the waterer in a 2-pack for added convenience.
Some notable pros include its high-quality construction, excellent value, and very affordable price point. The molded polyethylene tank resists heat well, and the extra-large base makes it easy for your chickens to access the water. Additionally, the easy-fill screw-on cap design and individual component availability are major perks. As with any product, there are some minor drawbacks to consider. In extreme heat, the tray can crack, while the top part of the tank may feel slightly flimsy.
However, this is not ideal for large chickens, but suitable for smaller flocks.
LITTLE GIANT Galvanized Double Wall Founts
When it comes to providing year-round hydration for your poultry, the LITTLE GIANT Galvanized Double Wall Founts stands out as an excellent choice. Made in the US, this 12.25 x 10.75 x 15.25-inch gravity-style chicken waterer is designed to maintain a constant water level, perfect for accommodating up to 4-5 chickens, turkeys, or ducks.
The fount’s heavy-duty galvanized steel construction features a double-wall design with an inner tube boasting a strong arched handle and an outer tube with its own handle for added convenience. When the two tubes are combined, a copper spring and neoprene seal create a vacuum that maintains the water level in the drinking pan, while a locking pin secures the outer tube in place for extra stability.
The fount’s sloped top design prevents chickens from roosting on the tank, while rolled edges ensure safety. Additionally, the device has been rigorously tested to prevent water leaks, giving you peace of mind that your birds will always have access to fresh hydration. This chicken waterer is also compatible with an electric base heater, making it suitable for use during winter months. Its good rust resistance and ease of cleaning and carrying make it a practical choice for poultry owners.
Some minor drawbacks include the potential for the lid to dent easily and leakage if the tank is overfilled and the lid is not placed correctly. Despite these minor flaws, the LITTLE GIANT Galvanized Double Wall Founts remains an excellent value for its quality, price, and performance.
RentACoop Chicken Waterer
The RentACoop Chicken Waterer offers a convenient and efficient way to provide fresh water for your poultry. The 5-gallon, food-grade and BPA-free plastic container features a sturdy handle and a removable cap that makes filling it up with a hose or jug a breeze. With no assembly required, simply place the tank on an elevated surface like a brick, undo the bright red lid, and fill ‘er up!
The horizontal/side-mounted nipples on the corners of the tank ensure that your chickens can drink comfortably without having to get their feathers wet. The RentACoop Chicken Waterer is designed to be water-efficient, providing enough fresh water for 4 hens for up to 10 days. Plus, the elevated nipples prevent any ground or bedding from getting soaked. The 2-gallon version also features horizontal nipples on the center of the tank, giving you flexibility in terms of placement and functionality.
Some notable pros include: high-quality construction that’s great value for money; the sturdy design ensures it can withstand regular use; and the elevated nipples keep your chickens’ living space dry. Additionally, the removable cap makes maintenance a snap, and the bright red color adds a pop of fun to your coop setup.
Of course, as with any product, there are some cons to consider: the price point might be steeper than you’re comfortable with; extreme heat can cause the bucket to crack; and the cap can be a bit finicky to remove. Still, many customers swear by this product’s benefits and would recommend it to fellow poultry enthusiasts.
RentACoop Make Your Own Waterer Kit
The RentACoop Make Your Own Waterer Kit offers a unique DIY experience, empowering you to design your own chicken watering system. The kit includes 12 robust and durable automatic nipples suitable for 4 chickens each, accommodating birds aged 2 weeks and older. Installation is quick and effortless. Simply attach the horizontal side-mounted nipples about 1 inch above the base of a plastic 5-gallon water tank or 55-gallon rain barrel.
You can place the tank on the ground for easy refilling and then elevate it on a sturdy platform to save valuable space in your chicken coop or barn. Alternatively, you can attach the nipples to a PVC pipe. The kit comes with installation helpers and comprehensive instructions. All you need is a 5/16 or 11/32 drill bit to get started. If you require additional guidance, RentACoop provides a helpful video tutorial.
This versatile kit also offers varying pack sizes: 5, 6, 10, 20, 50, or 100-pack options are available. The pros of this kit include its high-quality construction, great value for money, and efficient design. It’s an ideal choice for DIY chicken waterer installations and suitable for a large number of chickens. The kit can be used on various containers, including 5-gallon cooler tanks, 55-gallon rain barrels, or PVC pipes.
Some minor drawbacks to consider are the potential for leaks if not attached tightly, limitations for newborn chicks, and the requirement for a specific attachment method to ensure proper sealing.
RentACoop Automatic Chicken Water Nipple Cup Waterer Kit
The RentACoop Automatic Chicken Water Nipple Cup Waterer Kit is a game-changer for poultry farmers and backyard chicken enthusiasts. This innovative watering system eliminates the hassle of traditional waterers, which often require frequent cleaning and refilling. With the RentACoop kit, you can design your own custom watering system, installing cups in various locations throughout your chicken coop or surrounding area.
The cups themselves are designed to be self-filling, with water flowing automatically into each cup as needed. This eliminates the need for tabs or valves, ensuring that your flock always has access to fresh drinking water. Installation is a breeze, requiring only an 8.5mm, 21/64-inch, or 11/32-inch drill bit and a choice of 5-gallon plastic containers or PVC pipe. The kit also includes an instructional booklet and helpful video to guide you through the process.
RentACoop stands behind its product with a 2-year limited warranty, provided you register on their website. Overall, this smart chicken watering system offers a range of benefits, including high-quality construction, great value for money, and ease of use.
Some of the key pros include: strong plastic cups, ideal for chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys or quail; DIY watering system that’s easy to install; converts easily for side or bottom mounting on a bucket, water tank, or PVC pipe; automatic watering system that can provide up to 80 days’ worth of water; and all installation hardware is included.
The cons include: the initial cost may be higher than expected; it’s not ideal for use in freezing weather conditions; cups can crack in extreme heat; and proper installation is crucial to ensure smooth operation. Still, for many users, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
Olba B.V. Plastic Drinking Bottle
When it comes to rearing baby chicks, providing a reliable source of clean drinking water is crucial. The Olba B. V. plastic drinking bottle is an excellent choice for this purpose. Measuring 6.7 x 4.7 x 4.7 inches, the UV/frost-resistant 1-liter bottle is sturdy and durable, making it suitable for up to 10-20 baby chicks or even fully grown chickens. The stainless steel nipple ensures a steady flow of water for your flock.
Additionally, the bottle comes with a hinged lid that allows for easy refilling and maintenance. The integrated cap on the lid makes filling the bottle a breeze. Furthermore, the included galvanized wall bracket provides flexibility to attach the waterer to the coop or cage, keeping the water fresh and clean as it hangs above the litter. This chicken waterer is not only suitable for chickens but also for other small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and rodents.
Its pros include high quality, great value for money, a strong and durable design, and easy maintenance. The cons are that the nipple can leak, it’s not ideal for large chickens, and the hanging bracket may not be very durable. However, its benefits far outweigh its drawbacks, making it an excellent choice for any poultry enthusiast.
Harris Farms Poultry Drinker
The Harris Farms Poultry Drinker provides a reliable means of delivering freshwater to up to 32 adult chickens or game chicks. Its molded plastic construction ensures durability, while the fountain’s slow release into the green basin prevents overflowing and makes water level visibility easy with its semi-opaque container. The twist-lock system securely attaches the container to the base, and the sturdy metal handle allows for spill-free transportation and hanging within a chicken coop.
This poultry drinker boasts several key advantages: high quality materials, great value for money, ease of use, and long-lasting construction that’s easy to clean. Its durable fountain design minimizes mess and ensures chickens always have access to fresh water. Some potential drawbacks include the possibility of plastic cracking in extreme heat, difficulty cleaning the interior, and a bit of struggle when locking the container onto the base when it’s fully loaded.
Nevertheless, the Harris Farms Poultry Drinker remains an excellent choice for chicken keepers.
Our Top Pick for the Best Chicken Waterer
When it comes to the best chicken waterer, our top recommendation is the RentACoop Make Your Own Waterer Kit. This innovative DIY kit empowers you to design and install a comprehensive watering system tailored to your flock’s specific needs, whether that’s in your backyard coop or larger farm setting. With this kit, you can utilize any large container or PVC pipe to create a custom solution that meets the unique requirements of your feathered friends.
The included automatic chicken water nipples are not only simple to install and use but also provide endless joy for your chickens.
